262 EXTRACTS FROM 



It has a very sweet smell, which, however, does not rise in 

 distillation. Its medicinal powers are not known here. 

 It is a shrub. 



HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 



47. Tillandsije species. — Wild Pine. 



We have a great variety of plants under the denomination 

 of Wild Pine. They adhere to the thick branches, or grow in 

 crutches of the largest trees. In a collection of dried speci- 

 mens, it is impossible to convey any just idea of them, on ac- 

 count of their bulk, and the beauty of their flowers ; we 

 must be contented with the smallest, Tillandsia utriculata, L. 



This grows on trees ; has short fleshy leaves, and beautiful 

 white and red blossoms ; these are followed by pods, which 

 contain many seeds. 



48. Petiveiua alliacea, L. — Guinea Hen-weed. 



Guinea hen-weed is found in plantain walks, and other 

 shady places ; it is commonly a foot high. The stalks are her- 

 baceous ; the leaves are of a lively green ; and the numerous 

 small flowers are white. 



The seeds are very small, and are supposed to be some- 

 times swallowed by our common wasps here *. The seeds 



* Wasps swarm in all parts of the West India Islands, particularly 

 in the roofs of old houses, where no smoke is made, and often on fruit- 

 trees, near settlements. Their nests are in general circular, and their 

 cells, which are regular to mathematical exactness, are suspended by a 

 small neck of hard bituminous matter. 



These wasps are armed with a sting, and when any way disturbed will 

 attack men or beasts. Their sting is immediately attended with violent 

 pain, inflammation, and fever for twenty -four hours. Laudanum often 



